Federal funding reductions endanger Kentucky's advancements in cancer treatment

News Article: UK Markey Cancer Center Improves Lung Cancer Outcomes in Kentucky

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky's only NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been making significant strides in improving lung cancer outcomes across the state since achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in 2013.

Over 300,000 long-term cancer survivors are alive and well in Kentucky today, thanks in part to the advances in cancer research facilitated by the Markey Cancer Center. The funding supports clinical trials offering patients new options when standard treatments fail, trains the next generation of researchers and clinicians, and sustains the infrastructure that allows discoveries to reach rural patients as quickly as urban ones.

Since its NCI designation, the Markey Cancer Center has contributed to reducing lung cancer rates in Kentucky. This has been achieved through enhanced research, clinical care, and community outreach focused on the state's high cancer burden. A recent study from the center analyzed lung cancer incidence and mortality rates for 2017-2021, guiding resource allocation and interventions tailored to Kentucky’s needs.

The center's comprehensive approach includes behavioral science and clinical research aimed at lung cancer prevention, early detection, and specialized treatment. The prestige and recognition from the NCI designation have helped Markey secure increased funding and attract expert clinicians and researchers who bring state-of-the-art therapies and clinical trials to Kentucky, where lung cancer rates are among the highest nationally.

Last year, individuals from 110 counties enrolled in Markey's nearly 90 ongoing clinical trials. These trials provide Kentucky patients with access to the latest treatments for rare, aggressive, and treatment-resistant cancers, such as a clinical trial combining radiation with a new chemotherapy that significantly improved outcomes for aggressive brain cancer, leading to a new standard of care.

In addition to its clinical trials, Markey has also focused on public health initiatives to reduce lung cancer incidence and mortality in the region. For instance, Kentucky currently has the second-highest rate of lung cancer screening in the U.S., which is credited with saving lives by catching cancer earlier. Colorectal cancer screenings have also doubled statewide, cutting incidence and mortality by more than 30%.

The NIH-funding that supports Markey's cancer research, clinical trials, and cancer prevention is critical to its mission of bringing cancer care to every corner of Kentucky. Each year, approximately 29,000 Kentuckians are diagnosed with cancer, and 38% receive care directly at Markey or through its 20 affiliate sites across the state.

Dr. B. Mark Evers, M.D., is the director of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. Over the last decade, Dr. Evers has been the most optimistic about significant "wins" in the fight against cancer, attributing this to federal funding driving breakthrough therapies. A study at Markey is currently testing whether continuing immunotherapy after initial treatment can prevent throat cancer from returning.

Every job supported by Markey creates nearly one additional job elsewhere in Kentucky. Federal investment in Markey's research has kept talented researchers and clinicians in Kentucky, contributing to a 172% increase in direct employment from 2011 to 2023. This funding is essential to Markey's mission of improving cancer outcomes in Kentucky and ensuring that every Kentuckian has access to the best possible cancer care.

However, a proposed 40% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could delay cancer clinical trials, reduce lifesaving screening programs, and eliminate research opportunities. This would have a significant impact on the progress being made at the Markey Cancer Center and the lives of countless Kentuckians battling cancer.

In summary, since 2013, the UK Markey Cancer Center has leveraged its NCI designation to improve lung cancer outcomes in Kentucky through focused research, clinical excellence, better access to care, and public health initiatives directly tailored to reduce lung cancer incidence and mortality in the region. The NIH funding is critical to Markey's mission of bringing cancer care to every corner of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, a hub in Kentucky for advanced cancer treatment and research, has been instrumental in improving lung cancer outcomes across the state since achieving National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in 2013.
With the advances in cancer research facilitated by Markey Cancer Center, over 300,000 long-term cancer survivors are now living in Kentucky.
The center's comprehensive approach includes initiatives focused on lung cancer prevention, early detection, and specialized treatment, leading to a significant reduction in lung cancer rates in Kentucky.
In collaborative efforts with experts, Markey Cancer Center is conducting a clinical trial to test whether continuing immunotherapy after initial treatment can prevent throat cancer from returning, signifying ongoing research in medical-conditions like cancer.
Federal investment in the Markey Cancer Center's research and clinical trials is essential to its mission, as it ensures improved cancer outcomes in Kentucky, supports jobs, and contributes to maintaining a strong regional economy, emphasizing the intersection of health, economy, and science.